A Witch In LA

Wesley looks around at the gathered AI group. “Well, it took Rupert a couple weeks to finally find out what’s going on.” He sighs shaking his head.

“Get on with it!” Faith growls loudly, watching the man.

“Yes, quite. Well, it would seem The First has big plans. He’s planning on taking out the whole slayer line.” Wesley admits, watching Faith.

“What do you mean?” Faith frowns, looking at the ex-watcher.

“Meaning, the potentials and watchers that no one had heard from? They’ve been murdered. Rupert went to check on one of the Watcher’s and potential that lived within driving distance to him, and was able to kill the Bringer, but not before it killed the Watcher. Luckily the potential was out at the time of the attack and is still alive. But it seems The First is planning on killing all the potentials, then coming after you and Buffy, to completely eradicate the slayer line.”

“Ambitious plans.” Tara murmurs, blinking. “How successful has he been, so far?”

“There’s about a dozen Watcher’s and Potentials that can’t be accounted for.” Wesley admits. “There’s a couple more dozen that they’re trying to figure out the best way to protect them.”

“How are they finding the girls?” Faith questions, thinking heavily.

“Probably some kind of spell, not unlike what The Council uses to locate potentials.” Wesley admits.

“But that spell obviously isn’t completely fool-proof. Buffy fell through the cracks on that one.” Tara points out a flaw in The First’s plan.

“Yes, that is a possibility. But if he’s already taken out say 99% of the slayer line, wiping out whatever few new slayers are called would be child’s play.” Wesley admits.

“Then if they can locate them so easily, they should be gathered together in one place that they can be protected by me and B.” Faith growls striding back and forth in the small office. “We got my witch, I’m sure she can find something to help protect them from spell detection.” Faith looks towards Tara who nods her head quietly, watching her lover.

“It’ll have to be Sunnydale. Buffy won’t leave it for a long period of time, and this has the possibility of taking a very long time.” Angel interjects.

“Then that’s what we’ll do.” Faith shrugs her shoulders. “Does B know what’s going on with The First and the Potentials?” She questions the vampire.

“Yes. She was of a like mind that the girls needed to be protected at all costs. So, I would assume she would go along with your idea.” Wesley admits. “I can call Rupert. We’ll need somewhere for these girls and their Watcher’s to stay when they come to Sunnydale. Hopefully the Council can either rent or buy a couple houses that are right next to each other, for them to stay in.”

“Or at least on the same block.” Tara offers up quietly. “I can make protection charms and spells to go around the houses. These girls have training, so they aren’t completely hopeless.” Tara frowns momentarily. “At least, I hope not. But if we can have say, Faith and I in one house with the girls. Buffy and Spike in another house, then maybe Angel, Wesley and Gunn in the third house, do you think that would be a good splitting of the forces to help protect them?”

“And we can work with them on their fighting skills while we’re there.” Angel nods his head at the plan. “Any and all help we can get, would be beneficial.”

“Would ya’ maybe like my help?” A soft voice speaks from the doorway.

Everyone turns and smiles at Fred. “When did you get back?” Tara questions hugging the woman to her. “And this isn’t exactly the best time to be coming back.”

“Well, I kinda got that feeling. Especially after you told me it was best for me to stay away.” Fred smiles, then laughs as Faith hugs her, then the rest of the group hugs her. “I feel like I’ve come home.” She shakes her head looking at the AI team. “I can make up weapons to fight against these guys. Kind of booby-trap the area around the houses. I‘m sure there‘s other things I can help with, even if it‘s just running to the store.”

“Are you sure?” Angel questions quietly. “This is going to be dangerous, Fred. If you want to make weapons, that’s fine. But you can do it from the safety of somewhere else and we can send someone to pick them up. You don’t have to be in the middle of this fight. It isn’t your fight.”

“Yeah, but I got to thinking. If it weren’t for you folks, I’d still be on Pylea. I owe you my life. And if you want my help, I’m more than willing to fight by your side.” Fred smiles quickly glancing around at the group she’s come to think of as family.

“Why the hell not?” Cordelia mutters. “We got a vampire with a soul, a witch, a slayer, a seer, a street tough, an ex-watcher, a demon, why not add a Physicist to the mix? Welcome back, Fred.”

Fred chuckles quietly and nods her head. “Then here I am. I can get with Faith and Angel on possible ideas for weapons. Then we’ll see what I can do.”

“Sounds like we got something of a plan.” Angel nods his head. “Wesley, get ahold of Rupert, let him know what we’ve come up with. I’ll call Buffy to go over it with her. Faith go ahead and sit down with Fred, see if you can come up with some ideas for weapons. Tara, continue researching whatever spells you think will be useful. Take my card and buy whatever ingredients you’ll need.” Angel slides a credit card towards the witch. “Cordy and Gunn, you two need to probably hold down the fort, take care of whatever clients we may have coming in. I don’t know how much longer we’ll be here, so pick and choose them carefully. We can’t take on anything that might last a while.”

“Gotcha.” Gunn nods heading out of the room, Cordelia following quickly.

“I guess that’s it. I’ll check with Lorne and see if he’s got anything useful from any of his patrons.” Angel glances up as the rest of the crew talks amongst themselves as they leave the office. Shaking his head he picks up the phone…

*****************

Tara glances up from where she’s researching spells to hide the potentials from The First, to look at Faith and Fred with their heads stuck together over paper as Faith makes suggestions as Fred sketches out what Faith wants. Smiling softly she writes out the ingredients on one pad and the spell on another.

“You think you can make it?” Faith questions looking at Fred.

“I don’t see why not.” Fred looks at the drawing. “It’s kind of like a machine gun, but instead of bullet’s, it’ll shoot out wood bolts.”

Tara glances up, frowning. “Can I be stupid and ask a question?”

Faith and Fred both nod their heads towards the witch. “Of course you can, babe.” Faith looks curiously at her lover.

“Why don’t you use real guns and make bullets with wood instead of metal?” Tara suggests quietly. “I mean, it’s possible, isn’t it?”

Faith raises an eyebrow at the suggestion and glances towards Fred. “Is it possible to use wood instead of lead?”

Fred nods her head, stunned. “It would have to be a hard wood, like redwood or oak, but if we can get something to make them in the same shape as the bullets, it would be easier to do than modify or make a gun.”

“So we need a machine that’ll stamp out wood in the size we need it.” Faith thinks heavily.

“I guess we were thinking too high-tech.” Fred smiles warmly at Tara.

“We just need the easiest and quickest way to make this stuff possible.” Tara shrugs her shoulders looking at Fred. “I figured it would be easier to make bullets than a gun.”

“Dowel rods.” Faith mutters looking at Fred. “I’m sure they make them out of different woods. We can call a lumber store to find out if they make any from oak. Then we get the right size thickness and go from there.”

“Then I just need to make something that’ll either make the points on the wood…” Fred rolls her eyes. “All I need is to make a heavy duty pencil sharpener, with easily replaceable blades. We don’t want to sharpen all the way down to a point like pencils. Damn! I think we’ve got it.” Fred grins.

“So, we’re going to make an electrical bullet sharpener. I guess I’ve heard of weirder things.” Faith smirks. “I’m sure we can get the Council to supply us with the guns.”

“Now, are you going to just use hand guns, or are you going to do something like shotguns, also?” Tara questions quietly. “Shotgun shells you could actually fill with wood slivers. They might be easier to make, even though you can’t go around town carrying the guns out in the open. Plus you have the benefit of being able to use regular bullets/shells instead of just the wooden ones. It’s my understanding that the Bringers can be killed by ordinary means.”

“Yeah, but I was thinking more dual purpose. Kill Bringers and vamps with it.” Faith shrugs.

“I’m all for that.” Tara smiles softly at her lover. “Keeps you out of striking distance. Plus it gives the Potentials something they can use to help protect themselves. That is if they can shoot a gun!”

“Well, it probably wouldn’t hurt for you to get proficient with a gun, also.” Faith admits quietly.

“Already am.” Tara admits, looking up briefly before looking down at her book to finish copying the spell.

“Huh?” Faith questions dumb-founded.

“Grew up on a farm in northern Texas, love. Remember?” Tara smiles, looking up at her lover.

“Part of living in Texas is being able to shoot the predators that come to steal your animals.” Fred nods her head in understanding. “I learned to shoot when I was six.”

Tara smiles at Fred. “I learned when I was seven. I learned how to shoot a .22 rifle first. Then I was taught how to handle handguns.”

“A .22 is always handy to learn how to shoot with. That’s what my pa taught me on.” Fred admits softly.

“I think you two are going to be the weapons instructors.” Faith mutters shaking her head. “I’ll get with Wes and tell him our idea. See what he can come up with. Then start calling the lumber yards.” Faith stands and stretches her back out.

Fred nods her head. “I’ll get to work on the sharpener. It may not be electric, but I’ll make sure it gets the job done.” Fred grins at Faith.

“Don’t really care if its electric or not. As long as it works.” Faith nods, smiling back.
Leaning towards Tara, Faith places a soft, lingering kiss on her cheek. “Love you. I’ll be back up in a little while.”

“Love you, too.” Tara smiles as she watches Faith leave. Glancing back at Fred, she smiles. “So, how were the folks?”

“They’re good.” Fred smiles. “But it’s kinda hard to go back home after everything I’ve seen and know is out there. I can’t just ignore it.”

“I understand.” Tara bites her lip, thinking. “In a way, I wish I could grab Faith and run for the top of a mountain somewhere and live out my life without ever hearing about or seeing another demon. Then I feel guilty about those thoughts, thinking about all the people that could be harmed or killed if I was selfish and did it. Once you know about it, it becomes a part of who you are. Sometimes I almost wish there were no such things as demons. But then I think about Faith, and I can’t wish that. Because if it wasn’t for demons, I never would have met her.” Tara shrugs before smiling sadly.

“It’s funny how things work out.” Fred nods her head, understanding what Tara’s saying. “And you’re right. Once you know about it, for most of us, we can’t ignore it. We’ll all probably die fighting one day.”

“Dying of old age isn’t very likely.” Tara chuckles quietly. “But, if nothing else, I can sure as hell say I’ve lived a damn good life. It’s worth it just to have one day with Faith.”

“I hope I have a chance to find that kind of love.” Fred whispers. “You two got something special. Just being around it makes me realize it’s worth fighting for. Well, I better get to the drawing board, see what I can figure out.” Fred smiles before quickly leaving.

“I just hope if something happens, Faith realizes it was worth it, too.” Tara speaks softly to the empty room, before turning back to the books.

***********

“Yo! Wes!” Faith calls out to the ex-watcher. “Got an idea.” Faith quickly explains what they’d come up with to the demon hunter.

“That might work.” He nods his head in surprise. “I’ll get on the phone to Rupert now. See if he can talk those bunch of idiots into helping us out. They should, considering the fact we’re trying to keep the world safe.”

“Ain’t worked before.” Faith grumbles. “They’re on their own plan, most of the time.”

“That they are. But I think, in this case, they’ll be more than willing to help out.” Wes smiles briefly before heading into the office.

“Faith!” Angel calls from his office.

“Coming, Fang.” Faith calls out striding into his office. “What’s up?”

“Just got a call from Buffy, the first potential showed up there. She’s pretty banged up. Her watcher was killed by a Bringer attack.” Angel frowns. “We’re going to have to get things moving quickly. I don’t know what’s going to happen, and I want to be as prepared as possible.”

“Everythin’ we’re doing here, we can do in Sunnydale.” Faith leans back against the wall, thinking heavily. “We can take whatever books we think might be necessary, with us.”

“I’ve got some things to tie up here, before heading to Sunnydale. Why don’t you, Tara and Fred plan on leaving tomorrow. There’s a second reason for you to head there tomorrow.” Angel hesitates, wincing internally at what he’s about to ask of the slayer.

“Spit it out, Fang.” Faith tenses as she straightens away from the wall.

“They’re sending Willow back here. She’s needed in the fight. According to Rupert, she’s done extremely well with the Coven and should be of great help.” Angel looks at Faith.

“Makes sense.” Faith nods her head.

“Well, you guys need to pick her up at the airport and take her to Sunnydale.” Angel waits quietly, to see if Faith goes off the deep end.

Faith stands there silently, then nods her head. “I can deal. We parted on okay terms.”

Angel breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. Her plane gets in at 1:15 tomorrow afternoon. If you three can be ready and pick her up, that would be wonderful.” Rubbing his forehead he reaches in the desk, pulling out the small box. “Can you have Tara come see me, please?” Angel looks back up into the questioning eyes of Faith. “Just get her to come down here, please.”

Faith raises an eyebrow before nodding, spinning on her heel, quickly heading up to their room.

*****

Tara glances up, smiling as her lover comes in, before frowning at the tenseness in her body. “What’s wrong?”

“Fang wants to talk to you. I got a feeling it may be about whatever they ain’t told us, yet.” Faith growls, striding over to her lover.

“Well, I guess we’re going to find out.” Tara stands up and wraps her arms around Faith. “I love you, you know that. Together we can fight whatever we need to.”

“I know it. It’s just the shit we fight could very well take you away from me.” Faith tries to bring her anger under control. Taking a couple deep breath’s, she smiles shakily. “Let’s see what Fang has to say. Then we kind of need to pack up. You, me and Fred are gonna pick up Red tomorrow at the airport, then head to Sunnyhell. First potential showed up, badly beaten and her watcher killed. Looks like things are going to start happening quickly.” Faith hugs Tara tightly.

“Then let’s get this over with so we can pack.” Tara kisses Faith strongly. “Tonight may be the last night that we have any true alone time. We’re going to have to take advantage of it.”

“We’ll make alone time. I’m not giving up my daily dose of Witchy lovin’.” Faith growls kissing Tara quickly. “If we can’t make alone time, then people are gonna have to turn their eyes elsewhere.” Faith smirks as they head out of the bedroom.

“That’s my exhibitionist lover.” Tara chuckles quietly.

“I don’t hear ya’ sayin’ no or complainin‘!!!” Faith laughs at Tara.

Tara just glances at Faith with a huge smirk on her lips.

“Oooh. Now the truth comes out.” Faith shakes her head, laughing. “If I’d only known…”

“What? I figured you would have already known. We’re always making out in the hotel somewhere where we could be caught very easily. And have been caught, multiple times, may I point out!! How about when we came back from the wedding? Broad daylight, on the side of the road?” Tara rolls her eyes at her lover.

“Well, fuck me!” Faith grumbles.

“I did.” Tara nods her head as they walk into Angel’s office.

“Do you two ever not talk about sex?” Angel growls, shaking his head.

Faith and Tara look at each for a moment. “Occasionally.” Tara admits.

Angel shakes his head, sighing deeply. “Can you two please sit down?” He waves to the two chairs in front of his desk before standing and closing the door to his office. “I’m probably about to piss one or both of you off. Just remember, I thought it was for the best to keep this to myself.” Angel pulls the box with the amulet out of it and tosses it to Tara. “You’re the Champion that is supposed to wear this.”

Tara looks up in surprise at the vampire before glancing back down at the box. “I’m not a Champion, Angel. You are.”

“Yes, you are.” Angel sits down on the corner of his desk looking at Tara. “Lorne saw it when you guys took Dawn to Caritas’s. He saw you wearing this amulet.”

“What else did he see?” Faith growls harshly, as she watches the vampire.

“Tara closing the Hellmouth with the power of the Amulet.” Angel tells the half truth, praying silently that, that’ll be enough. “Wesley has already spoken with Rupert. They’re sending you all the supplies you will need to make the weapons you’ve discussed. Along with some of their own creations. They’re more than willing to do anything and everything they can to give you what you need in this fight. I believe they’re already looking around for housing close to Buffy’s house. If they aren’t able to find it, they’re going to look into possibly renting or buying an entire apartment complex and kicking everyone out, that way you’ll have the whole building.”

Tara opens the box, staring down at the Amulet. Touching it softly with her finger, she nods her head, having a feeling she knows what’s to come. Also, why the vampire isn’t elaborating. She looks up with sad eyes at Angel. “The apartment complex would probably be a good idea. Contact them and tell them to do that. That way there’s plenty of rooms. It would be great if they were already furnished, that way we would have places for everyone to sleep.” Tara turns and smiles at Faith. “Love, would you mind going ahead and talking with Wesley about that. Then you can let Fred know to pack up, we’re heading to Sunnydale.”

Faith nods, standing. “Do you want me to go ahead and pack our stuff, also?”

“Please. Thank you, love.” Tara tugs on Faith’s hand, smiling as she leans down and kisses her. “I love you.”

“Love you too, babe.” Faith smiles, running her thumb over Tara’s fingers. Realizing what fingers she’s rubbing, she lifts them to her lips, kissing them gently.

Tara feels a tear come to her eye, as Faith kisses her crooked fingers.

“None of that, now.” Faith grins at her lover, before nipping the tips of the fingers, making her laugh.

“Okay.” Tara laughs as Faith quickly walks out of the room. Standing, she walks to the door as Faith disappears. “Is she gone far enough?” Tara questions as she shuts the door.

“She can’t hear us, if that’s what you’re asking.” Angel answers hesitantly.

“Does this do what I think it does?” Tara looks down at the Amulet in her hands, then back up at the vampire. “It takes my powers, my essence to make it work, right?”

Angel closes his eyes and nods his head.

“Why didn’t you or Lorne say something before now?” Tara questions quietly.

“Lorne didn’t know what to do.” Angel finally opens his eyes, showing the pain so blatant in them. “God, he couldn’t even tell me what he saw without breaking down, Tara. I made the decision not to say anything. I figured if I told you, you wouldn’t be able to keep it from Faith because of your soul mate status. If I told Faith, she would have grabbed you and ran away. There’s no way she’ll let you do this if she knows.”

Tara nods her head, closing the box. “You’re right. That’s why she won’t know.” Closing her eyes, Tara takes a deep breath, bringing her feelings under control. Never more thankful for her mother’s teachings than she is at this moment. Opening her eyes, she looks at Angel. “The world is worth more than one person, or even hundreds of people, Angel. You know that.”

“Doesn’t make it easy, though.” Angel admits looking down. “I called Lorne. He should be here in a few minutes. He wouldn’t be much good in the fight against The First, but I know he would want to see you, before you left.”

“One last song for the road?” Tara questions, trying to smile.

“I don’t think so.” Angel shakes his head. “It about tore him up with what he saw before. I don’t think he’s ever wished he didn’t have his powers until now.”

“There probably isn’t much Cordelia can do in Sunnydale, either. Maybe she should stay here out of the fight.” Tara suggests softly. “Maybe have Gunn stay here with her?”

“Gunn will insist on going.” Angel shakes his head at the suggestion. “Maybe Lorne can help keep an eye on her when we come to Sunnydale.” Hearing Lorne coming closer, Angel stands and opens the door to his office.

“Hey, Angel-cakes. You wanted to see me?” Lorne questions as he steps into the office. Glancing from Angel to Tara, he stops and swallows hard. Already able to tell she knows, without even having her sing. As Angel shuts the door, Lorne kneels beside Tara and looks up at her with tears swimming in his eyes. “I’d take your place in a heartbeat, Sweet Cheeks, if I could.”

Tara smiles sadly at the demon. “I know you would, Lorne. But remember the conversation we had the first time I came to Caritas’s? Hopefully there‘s something they‘re not allowing you to see.”

“I hope you’re right.” Lorne murmurs as tears fall down his cheeks. Smiling softly as Tara gently wipes them away. “You’re a good soul, Tara Maclay. If…look me up.” Lorne stands and turns away from the witch, his shoulders shaking with the sobs he’s trying to hold back.

Angel clasps Lorne strongly on the shoulder. Looking at Tara he raises an eyebrow.

“I will, Lorne. I think I better go see what Faith’s up to. Help her pack.” Tara take a deep calming breath.

“I’ll order food in. Come down when you get hungry.” Angel offers quietly.

“Thanks, Angel.” Tara nods and smiles softly at the vampire. “You letting us take your car again?”

“Like I have a choice?” Angel laughs quietly. “Us guys will probably follow you in Gunn’s truck later on.”

Tara nods before slipping out of the office.

“She’s a strong one.” Lorne whispers quietly, turning around as Tara walks out of the office. “She will always do what needs to be done.”

“Yes, she will.” Angel nods his head, looking at the demon with sad eyes. “Why couldn’t it be me? The shit I’ve done being a vampire? I deserve to die, not her.”

“It doesn’t work that way.” Lorne shakes his head, leaning against the wall. “They always seem to want the best of us, and let the rest plod along, trying to do good.” Lorne stands and brushes his hands down his jacket. “I’m going back to Caritas’s and drown my sorrows. If you feel like joining me, come on over.”

Angel nods and watches as Lorne leaves. “I just might show up there, my friend.” Angel leans forward, placing his elbows on the desk, cupping his chin in his hands. Silently brooding in the empty room.

*************************